Monday, October 13, 2014

Even with his neurological symptoms, Harv seems to love exercise -- the other day, after being in his stall overnight, he actually took off bucking when I turned him out in the indoor. I'm often surprised at what he's capable of. Bob and I agree that it's good for him to have little workouts, so long as we don't push him.

Today, October 11, his legs were a bit stocked up, so I turned him out for some exercise.

We are workout buddies (although he is the only one working out). The amount of exercise is something we decide together. Usually he takes off by himself in a big circle around me. I'll ask him to go both directions, but he hates going clockwise. I don't push it much. When he thinks he is done, he'll trot over to me and stop. If his legs are still puffy, or if he just seems capable of a little more, I'll nod and move my arms, and he goes out again. When he really is done, he's a bit more definitive in his body language. If you watch the video, you'll get it.

7 comments:

Awww. Harvey sounds like he "growls" when he exercises. I rode an older OTTB who would growl when I was asking him to do something he didn't really want to do. (Translation, take the other left lead...) This video makes me miss the old boy--and I'm glad that Harvey is still getting out and about.

He is so stinkin cute Stacey! There is just something so special about an older horse, knowing Harv's past makes him even more special. You're doing everything right and he looks great. Lucky for you to have enjoyed so many wonderful years with such a prince of a horse, and lucky him that you are doing all you can for him in his golden years. Becky B.